UP residents hail decision revoking Durga Nagpal’s suspension

Greater Noida residents on Sunday welcomed Uttar Pradesh government’s decision of revoking the suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal. She was allegedly suspended for ordering demolition of an under-construction mosque wall while she was the sub-divisional-magistrate (SDM) of Greater Noida Sadar area. The mosque was being built on a government land in Greater Noida’s Kadalpur area without having the requisite permission from local authorities.

“UP government has taken a right decision but a little late. Durga Shakti Nagpal only discharged her official duties honestly for stopping villagers from construction a mosque without permission on a government land. Government should have appreciated her actions instead of wasting public time by placing her on suspension. Now we welcome government’s decision of revoking the suspension,” said Dushyant Nagar a farmer leader of Kisan Sangharsh Samiti group in Greater Noida.

Many residents in Noida even distributed sweets in celebration after they learnt that Durga’s suspension has been revoked finally.

“Our society needs heros like Nagpal, who can fight with corrupt practices and sand mafias, who are not bothered to abide by the law of the land. She was punished for taking on the sand mafia in Gautam Budh Nagar. It’s a victory of right over wrong. Sand Mafia will learn a lesson that there are officers, who can fight against them and win too. Government should promote such officers instead of harassing them. We hail UP government’s decision,” said Atul Thakur a social activist, who celebrated the move.

UP principal secretary (appointment) told HT that Nagpal will be given fresh appointment in next two days of time.

Greater Noida’s Kadalpur villagers also welcomed the UP government’s decision.

“We do not have anything against Durga Shakti Nagpal. She did her duties, and stopped the construction, which was being carried out sans requisite permission. We welcome government’s decision. But also demand that the same government should also issue us a permission to construct a mosque at the same government land,” said Shafeek Khan, husband of village head of Kadalpur.

Kadalpur villagers had given their plea demanding permission from Greater Noida SDM.

“UP government should not have suspended her, and should have dealt with the issue appropriately. It’s a little late after wasting long official time, UP has taken a right decision,” said Arif Chauhan a Kadalpur resident.